USA > Illinois > DeKalb County > Portrait and biographical album of DeKalb County, Illinois : containing full-page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county > Part 21
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Mr. Ellwood's connection with the political his- tory of his native State was during. the period in which the Republican Party was organized. Mr. Ellwood frequently represented his district in the Congressional Conventions during the existence of the old Whig party as well as since the organi- zation of the Republican party. On the 15th of September, 1855, the last Whig District Conven- tion of Herkimer County convened in the village of Mohawk, which was attended by Mr. Ellwood in the capacity of Delegate from Frankfort, and he was unanimously chosen Delegate to the Whig State Convention to be held at Syracuse on the 26th day of the same month.
Sept. 13, two days before the meeting above re- ferred to, the Republican element of Herkimer County issued a call for a county convention to be held at Herkimer, Sept. 22, to appoint delegates to a Republican Convention to be held at Syracuse on the same day, which had been fixed for the conven- ing of the Whigs in that city. The Whig Convention of Sept. 26, 1855, which met at Syracuse pursuant to the call, was the last assembly under the banners of the old regime in the Empire State. The party in New York practically expired in 1854. and the dele- gates who went up to Syracuse in September, 1855, went there to pay a last melancholy tribute to a de- funct organization. A feeble attempt to re-galvanize the Whig party took place, but the delegates, fair- minded, conscientious, reflective men, revolved in their thoughts the principles set forth in the pream- ble to the call, pursuant to which call another body was in session in another quarter of the same city. "The friends of Freedom without distinction of
party, and such as are opposed to the repeal of the Missouri Compromise, and hostile to the further ex- tention of slavery in sentiment, and determined to exercise their rights of suffrage in such a man- ner as to carry out their views in future political action," were words which rang in their ears and re- echoed in their consciousness, while the old-liners affirmed that Whiggery and Republicanism were es- sentially identical, and that the latter, being a tem- porary offshoot, would die early, unless safely gath- ered into the sheltering bosom of the former. Before the day closed the Whigs marched from their cham- ber of assembly to that of the Republican convention.
Oct. 18 following, 22 days later, Chauncey Ell- wood was a Delegate from Frankfort to a Republican Convention called for the purpose of nominating county officers. One of the distinctive actions of the Convention was an endorsement of the resolutions and nominations of the Republican State Convention at Syracuse. To the sentiments and principles, which he adopted without qualification or reservation, Mr. Ellwood has since consistently and inflexibly adhered.
He came to Sycamore in the spring of 1858, and on the 7th of May following he was admitted to practice in the State Courts of Illinois. He formed a business relation with a law association already es- tablished at Sycamore, which conducted a successful enterprise covering a period of two years, under the style of James, Lowell & Ellwood. On its termina -. tion the relation of Owen & Ellwood was formed, which existed two years and was ended by the with- drawal of the junior partner.
In April, 1861, Mr. Ellwood was appointed Post- master at Sycamore by President Lincoln, and retained the position until November, 1866. Mean- while he figured in local and State politics, having represented his county several times in State Con- ventions, his career being a continuation of the line of action he had pursued in the State of New York, and the records attest the vigor and persistency of his public attitude. In the 25th General Assembly of Illinois, from 1866 to 1868, he was elected First Assistant Secretary of the Senate under Gen. Chas. E. Lippincott, and on the resignation of his chief became his successor. In the next sessions (1868-r870) he was elected Secre- tary of the Senate. In the fall of 1869 he was nominated for State Senator from his District, but
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failed of election on account of dissension in the Con- vention. In the fall. of 1877, without solicitation, he was made the candidate of the National Greenback Labor element for State Senator and made a gratify- ing run in his District, which is strongly Republican. His own town, which was Republican by a majority of more than 300, gave him 235 majority and he came very near an election. In 1879 he was elected a member of the Board of Education. He served as its Secretary in 1880 and 1881, and was re-elected in 1882, became its President, and is still the incum- bent of that position (1885).
Mr. Ellwood has operated in the general business interests of Sycamore with the same alertness, energy, persistency and industry that have characterized his entire career. In 1866 the Sycamore Bank sus- pended, with heavy liabilities, and Mr. Ellwood closed its affairs with the creditors. In 1867, asso- ciated with Dr. O. M. Bryan and Alonzo Ellwood, he started a flax-mill, which is still in existence and operated under the ownership aud management of Messrs. Loomis & Luther. In 1874 he engaged in the boot and shoe business at Sycamore, which he conducted until his promotion to the place of chief executive of the city. He is a Director in the R. Ellwood Manufacturing Company, and one of the managers and President of Elmwood Cemetery. On the organization of the Marsh Binder Manufacturing Company, he became a stock-holder, and was elected a Director. In the year following he declined a re-elec- tion from press of other business. From 1875 to July, 1883, when the road passed into the ownership of the Chicago & Northwestern corporation, he was Vice-President and General Manager of the Syca- more & Cortland Railroad. One of the achieve- ments of his administration was the erection of the fine brick depot at Sycamore. The kindly nature of Mr. Ellwood is as clearly shown by his consideration for the residents of Sycamore during the period of his management, as in any other phase of his career, many being granted the favors of magic slips signed "C. Ellwood," which secured to them the privileges of the road. Many a boy will bear in lasting re- membrance the man who sent him to the conductor with a chalk mark on his back, bearing a significance most gratifying to the wearer of the brand which passed him over the road.
In 1883 he was elected Vice-President of the De
Kalb County Agricultural Association and re-elected to the same position in 1884 and 1885.
Though not a subscriber to the tenets of any ec- clesiastical denomination, Mr. Ellwood lends counte- nance and substantial aid to the maintenance and furtherance of religious influence. He attends the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is characteristically liberal and generous in its support. His interest in its welfare was most appropriately recognized by his selec- tion as an eminently proper person to pronounce the address of welcome in behalf of the local society on the occasion of the convening of the 42d Session of the Rock River Annual Conference held at Syca- more, in October, +881. His remarks were published in full in the City Weekly and were made in the genial vein and liberal spirit of their author. A reso- lution was presented and adopted by the Conference expressing the thanks of the organization for the ad- dress, and also for the courtesy extended by Mr. Ellwood to its members in passing them on the Sycamore & Cortland Railroad, of which he was Manager. The appreciation of his efforts was em- phasized by additional mention in the general reso- lutions adopted at the close of the Conference.
Mr. Ellwood has been twice married. He formed a matrimonial alliance with Jane E. Budlong in 1846, in Frankfort, N. Y .. She was the daughter of Dr. Caleb and Susan Budlong. Murray, only child of this union, was born in 1847, and died before he was six months old, after a brief illness of less than 24 hours' duration. The young mother, in the weariness of broken health and hopes baffled by the sudden death of her blooming, beautiful babe, did not rally from her depression, and on the 14th of April, 1848, she sank away to eternal rest. She belonged to a prominent family, and her untimely death was the subject of much comment in the local press. The order of Odd Fellows, to which her husband and father belonged, passed resolutions of condolence and attended her funeral in a body, wearing the badge of mourning. She has been in the realm of the blessed nearly 37 years, but on earth her memory is still fresh and green, and is perpetuated by the copy of the action of Oneontha Lodge, bearing under its official seal the expressions of sympathy passed at a special meeting April 15, 1848.
Mr. Ellwood was again married in November, 1857, in Ionia, Mich., to Helen E., daughter of Sam-
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uel and Anna Dexter. Three children were born of this marriage: Florence was born Nov. 14, 1858, and died Sept. 30, 1859; John D. was born Feb. 9, 1860, and is now a resident of De Kalb. He niar- ried Emma, daughter of Thomas and Eleanor Combs, of the city of De Kalb. Anna was born Sept. 11, 1864. Their mother died March 5, 1866, at Sycamore. She was a lady of finely disciplined mind and possessed unusual earnestness and decision of character. Her married life was passed in the conscientious discharge of every duty as wife and mother The qualities she exercised as a friend and neighbor built for her a memorial more enduring than marble, and she is still mentioned with admiration and appreciation by those who were the objects of her consideration and esteem.
The residence of Mr. Ellwood at Sycamore is lo- cated on a plat of ground containing 12 acres, be- longing to his original claim, of which he became the possessor in 1837. The spot where the house stands is in the same state in which it was when its owner first selected it, its soil having never been broken by the plow. In the rear of the residence is a small artificial lake, of a half-acre in extent, and stocked with fish.
Mr. Ellwood was a charter member of Oneontha Lodge, I. O. O. F., No. 215, at Frankfort, in which he was prominent and passed all the chairs. He was also made a Mason in Olive Branch Lodge there, and passed the various offices, including that of Master of the Lodge; and on removal to Sycamore he transferred his membership by demit to Blue Lodge No. 134. He is now a Royal Arch Mason at Sycamore.
One of the most notable occasions in the history of Mr. Ellwood's connection with the home of his adoption was the event of the presentation of an elegant gold-headed cane by his friends at Sycamore. The cane cost $100. The engraving embraces an appropriate inscription, and the design of a locomo- tive with tender and passenger coach attached. But over and above the value and beauty of the gift was the abounding enthusiasm which characterized the arrangement and consummation of the presentation ceremonies. It was a perfect ovation and the assem- blage was gratifying in point of numbers and en- thusiasm. The militia and the fire companies, embracing the members of four organizations and
led by the Band, made a most imposing parade, after which the concourse gathered in Wilkins Hall and were called to order by the President of the occasion, Judge Charles Kellum. The leading addresses are presented intact. Mayor Nathan Lattin spoke as fol- lows :
" Mr. President :-- We have met on this occasion and in this hall in a different capacity and for a different purpose than we have been wont to meet here. Sometimes we have inet here for pleasure, sometimes as political factions, and sometimes we have met when excitement and passion have largely predominated in our deliberations ; but on this occa- sion we meet much differently. The war-club and the tomahawk are, for the time being, buried deep out of sight, and all meet to show respect to and good will toward one of our active, enterprising and public-spirited fellow townsmen, one whose interests have been largely identified with the interests and prosperity of Sycamore for the past 20 years-not only have been but still are. We have also met to present him a slight token of our appreciation. I need hardly say that the citizen referred to is HON. CHAUNCEY ELLWOOD.
" He came to Sycamore about 20 years ago, when the place was but a village of a few hundred/inhabi- tants,-no buildings of very large pretensions, either for business, residences, hotels or places for religious worship; no large manufacturing establishments, or machine shops ; no flax or grist mill; no railroad ; Mill's stage coach was the only public conveyance by which to communicate with the outer world; the steam whistle had scarcely broken upon the primeval stillness. He identified himself with the interests of the place of his adoption and has been identified with them up to the present time, and, I may say, is more closely identified with them now than at any time in the past. He has seen the village of 20 years ago grow to be one of the most beautiful cities of the present and still in the height of her ambition ; the unpretentious buildings disappear and in their places appear substantial business blocks, handsome residences, beautiful churches, mills, machine shops and manufacturing establishments; in place of the stage coach, the railroad ; the shrill whistle of engines is heard morning, noon and evening. The surround- ing country has had to contribute new territory for its growth. He has not only witnessed these changes
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but has been largely identified with the efforts that have brought them about.
" But more particularly has his efficiency been demonstrated in the capacity of General Manager of the Sycamore & Cortland Railroad. To-day our lit- tle railroad commands the respect of not only in- dividuals, but also of other railroad corporations, and by it Sycamore is made one of the principal railroad points of Illinois, and its importance is appreciated by all the commercial centers east and west. It is but justice to say that to Chauncey Ellwood belongs the credit largely of our enviable position, and also a fair share of the credit of other improvements of the past years. And when years have passed away, and with them he and ourselves, then his name will shine bright on the roll of honor among those who stood faithful and true to the interests, welfare, growth and prosperity of this, the most beautiful little city in the world, with this sentiment ever before him: 'Syca- more: may she ever be right; but, right or wrong, nevertheless, Sycamore !'
" For his fidelity to the interests of the city, his friends have met on this occasion to present to him, in the name of the citizens of Sycamore, a token of their appreciation, and I may say, all join in approv- ing.
" Mr. Ellwood, in the name of your friends, in the name of the citizens of Sycamore, I have the honor of presenting to you this cane as a token of their ap- preciation of your fidelity to the interests of this city. Take it and use it, and by its use may you be able to lengthen out the span of life a little at least ; and when you are through with it, and your work done, may your posterity preserve it as an heirloom to your remembrance; and may it be an incentive to them to serve their town, county, State and country well and faithfully."
In response, Mr. Ellwood said :
" Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen : I have often been called upon to express my views upon the vari- ous matters pertaining to the general welfare of our city's prosperity ; but never with the same emotions as at the present time, as I see before me so many of the professional and business men, the militia com- panies, the elements of our city's prosperity, the laboring men, also the , elements of its preservation, the fire companies, to respond to the kind sentiment you have expressed-to be the recipient of a testi-
monial so beautiful and valuable as this cane. I frankly admit that I do not know how to express my feelings and thanks.
" You have so kindly referred to my long residence in this place that I may be pardoned in saying that I have witnessed its prosperity and growth, that I have seen it gathering strength year by year, by the united and energetic efforts of her business men, until it has grown from a mere hamlet to a beautiful and pros- perous city of some four or five thousand inhabitants, unsurpassed by any city in the State for the high moral standing of her business men, whose energetic aid has never been wanting to further any enterprise that would tend to the advancement of the city's prosperity.
" As to the management of the railroad, it is due from me to say that I have ever received the hearty co-operation of the president, officers and directors for all the changes and improvements that have been made upon it. It is also due from me to say that our business relations with the general officers of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad Company have been and are of the most friendly character, and to them is due much of the success which our road has obtained, never having asked them for a reasonable favor in behalf of our road, or for the business men, which has not been readily and cheerfully granted.
" I accept this beautiful cane, not so much on ac- count of its intrinsic value, nor for its beauty, but as coming from my old friends and neighbors, as a memento of their friendship and esteem. I shall keep and prize it as long as I live; and, as the ever changing years roll round, the sweet memories and recollections of this hour will ever grow brighter and brighter, dearer and dearer to me. Again I thank you, my friends, with the assurance that this occasion will ever be treasured and remembered by me as one of the happiest events of my life."
Judge Kellum responded to repeated calls as follows :
" Ladies and Gentlemen : It is gratifying to me, as doubtless it is to all of the citizens of Sycamore, to participate in an assemblage of this character. We have met to show our appreciation of the business ability, zeal and fidelity of one of Sycamore's oldest citizens, Hon. Chauncey Ellwood. He has witnessed and been a part of the city's growth, and has been largely identified with its prosperity and success as a
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business center, but has more particularly dis- tinguished himself in his management of the Syca- more & Cortland Railroad. Amid the manifold perplexities incident to the railroad business, his uniform courtesy and obliging manners, his civility and complaisance, have reflected honor upon his management. This occasion is worthy of Sycamore, whose citizens are always willing to do honor to the men who do most to promote her material interests. All asperities, bickerings and heart-burnings, growing out of political or other interests, are forgotten and made subordinate to the spirit of the occasion.
" Mr. Ellwood, when with enfeebled frame and tottering step you walk the down hill of life, you will find more support and comfort in the cheering memories of this scene than in leaning on this staff, carrying with you, as you will, to your life's end the assurance of the esteem and approbation of your fel- low-citizens."
R. L. Devine, Esq., máde the following speech:
"I am much pleased and gratified over this de- monstration of respect towards one of the oldest residents of Sycamore. Mr. Ellwood has claims to be considered one of the pioneers of the place. More than a third of a century ago he purchased of the United States the land where his homestead is now located, in the limits of Sycamore. He has been identified with many and perhaps most of the lead- ing business enterprises of the town for years. He has given a good word and a helping hand to many a man who stood in need of them. It is quite impos- sible for a man to lead an active public or business life without often meeting with harsh criticism and unjust opposition. Our friend here has had his full share of that kind of experience; but it is better to appreciate and to commend and reward the good deeds of those with whom we associate than to niagnify the errors such as all men are liable to com- mit. I am all the more pleased with this demonstra- tion, as it shows a disposition on the part of the people to stand by one another and by the town. Our city is prosperous and we are all proud of it; but its prosperity can only be maintained in the future, as it has been in the past, by harmony and unison among its business men and citizens generally. Let us always bear in mind that old motto, 'United we stand, divided we fall.'
Messrs. J. S. Waterman, Hon. W. M. Byers, David
Syme, W. M. Loomis, R. Ellwood and G. M. Siv- wright made brief and appropriate speeches, and after the closing ceremonies the assemblage dispersed, bearing away with them the remembrance and in- spiration of one of the most enjoyable occasions in the history of Sycamore. It reflects quite as much, however, on the hearts that instigated such an affair as on the man who was its distinguished object. In January, 1883, Mr. Ellwood set out for a Southern tour and traveled leisurely via Louisville, Nashville and Montgomery, visiting prominent places in Florida and shipping from Cedar Keys for Havana, Cuba. All along the route he wrote his impressions and observations in the form of keen, breezy, de- scriptive letters, which he sent for publication to the City Weekly at Sycamore. They were characterized by the vein that runs through all his acts,-earnest devotion to and solicitude for the people and interests of Sycamore.
It has been the lot of Chauncey Ellwood to live in the most important period of the history of the Re- public, and to share in its chances. His early life was filled with the struggles that were his only in- heritance. By diligence and the display of his good judgment and business ability he has accumulated a competency, although beginning active life with no advantages.
enry H. Slater, merchant at Genoa, was born Oct. 31, 1838, in New Jersey. He Was reared to the age of 17 years on his father's farm, attending the common school in boyhood, and at the age named accompanied his parents to Genoa Township, where they joined the community of farmers. On reaching the period of his majority, he returned to the East for a visit and remained one year. He came back to De Kalb County, and in August following his return he enlisted in the 105th Ill. Vol. Inf., enrolling in Co. A, and shared the fortunes of the regiment until the close of the war. He advanced to the grade of Ser- geant, and was afterwards promoted as First Lieu- tenant. He received his discharge at Washington, D. C.
On his return to De Kalb County he entered into the prosecution of a mercantile enterprise at Genoa,
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forming a partnership with Henry Perkins, and they prosecuted their joint interests in that direction three years. Mr. Slater sold his claim and bought a farm - in the township of Genoa, and conducted an agricul- tural enterprise two years. Again selling out, he went to Grundy County, where he engaged in busi- ness with A. K. Stiles. Eighteen months later he disposed of his interest to Mr. Stiles and returned to Genoa, embarking in a mercantile enterprise. In 1876 he erected the fine brick building where he has managed his business since. His yearly traffic amounts to about $30,000.
Mr. Slater is a Republican in political connection and has discharged the duties of several local offices. He is a member of Lodge No. 288, F. & A. M., at Genoa.
He was married to Anna B. Stiles, and they have two children-Samuel A., born April 16, 1868, and Margaret A., born Sept. 2, 1870. Mrs. Slater is the daughter of A. K. and Fanny (Smith) Stiles, the former a native of Vermont, the latter of Canada. They came to Genoa Township, where they lived during the remainder of their lives. Their family in- cluded four daughters and two sons.
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oseph Gandy, farmer, section 10, Cortland Township, was born in Leesburg, Union Co., Ohio, Nov. 1, 1834, and when he was three years of age his parents moved with their family to this county, where they have since lived. Mr. G. never learned a trade, but, being naturally a good mechanic, he can build any com- mon farmer's house or barn as well as anybody. He has been a school officer in his township, and in his political views is a Democrat.
He was married Oct. 9, 1859, to Mary Jane Parker, who was born Dec. 10, 1839, in Camden Township, Hillsdale Co., Mich. They have five children, namely: S. Douglas, born July 18, 1860; Sarah E., July 24, 1862, was married Nov. 16, 1882, to Fred W. Snow, and is a resident of Cortland village; Ada, born Jan. 29, 1864; Vida, Sept. 10, 1865 ; and Henry Harris, April 9, 1874,-all on section 9, this town- ship. Mr. G.'s father was Henry H. Gandy. (See sketch of H. H. Gandy.) Mrs. G.'s father, Abel Parker, was born in the State of New York, Dec. 14,
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